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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said the Middle East does not need the United States to act as a “regional policeman,” amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington over the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking during a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in India on Saturday, Pezeshkian said regional countries themselves should ensure security and stability.
“We do not need a regional policeman,” Pezeshkian said, according to a statement from his office.
He said the region’s integrity and security could only be guaranteed by countries that are part of the region.
Tensions escalated after US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 triggered a wider conflict. Iran subsequently imposed restrictions on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes, further intensifying its confrontation with the US.
Pezeshkian said Iran does not want a prolonged conflict despite what he described as injustices against his country, stressing that establishing peace remains Tehran’s top priority.
The prolonged disruption around the Strait of Hormuz has pushed crude oil prices above $100 a barrel this week, adding to concerns over global energy markets.
Source : AFP
